Monsoon nears, fire brigade short of lifeguards at city beaches

However, of the 13 posts permanent lifeguards, two are yet to be filled after the lifeguards retired.

While the recent Kalbadevi fire highlighted the staff shortage in the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the force is also facing a shortage of lifeguards to man the six beaches in the city this monsoon.

In 2010, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had started recruiting one of Mumbai’s oldest communities, the Kolis, who are native fisherfolk, as lifeguards. However, recent data reveals that of the 38 posts created, 17 are currently vacant. According to senior fire department officials, the department has already sent a request to the municipal commissioner to conduct a recruitment drive and hire people from the community. They hope they will be able to fill the posts before the monsoon hits the city.

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The corporation has posts for 13 permanent lifeguards as well as 34 contractual posts for men to be stationed at the six beaches in the city — Juhu, Versova, Girgaum, Aksa, Gorai and Dadar. However, of the 13 posts permanent lifeguards, two are yet to be filled after the lifeguards retired.

tanushree.venkatraman@expressindia.com